Campus police release surveillance photo, video of suspect

CU police say this man poured acid on a campus ATM in a failed attempt to steal cash. (Courtesy University of Colorado Police Department)

University of Colorado police are searching for a man who tried to break open an ATM at the campus' Center For Community by pouring acid on the machine.

Police said that at 2:30 a.m. May 29, video surveillance shows a man in protective clothing spraying an acidic solution on the ATM, according to a news release.

The suspect is seen returning twice to check the progress of the acid and to try to steal cash from the machine, but was unsuccessful, police said. At one point in the video, the man is seen hiding, possibly because he was startled.

A student who attempted to use the ATM on June 4 suffered chemical burns and called police. The student did not need medical attention.

The machine was damaged beyond repair, and the replacement cost is estimated to be $50,000, according to CU police. Sgt. Michael Lowry said the chemical caused cosmetic damage but also caused internal damage that rendered the machine unusable.

Lowry said the chemical also dripped down and bleached portions of the concrete around the ATM. Investigators are still trying to identify the chemical .

The suspect faces charges of criminal mischief and attempted burglary.

Lowry said he has put out a description of the unusual break-in attempt to other state police agencies to see if they have seen similar cases but said so far he has not gotten any feedback.

"I've been in the business quite a while, and it's the first time I've seen something like this," Lowry said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lowry at 303-492-8168. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or crimeshurt.com

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